COMMUNITY FORUM

Removing Paint from Wood Beams

My living room and dining room have 50-year old pine beams which look great. How do you remove old paint from them?

I recently painted my D/R walls (a deep color) and then noticed a fine white line at the top of the walls. Looking closer, I realized that the previous homeowners must have painted the walls white at some point and did not tape to prevent paint getting on the beams (where they meet the top of the walls. It is very distracting.

I tried that Goop Off but got worried when I read the label ... it sounded so toxic.

Is that product so dangerous? or does everyone pretty much use it.

Is there another way to remove this old paint without damaging these beautiful beams?

thank you

BV011829

09:39AM | 06/05/16

Did you ever get a reply to your question about paint on your beams? We just bought a 250 yr old home with exposed beams in every room. The previous owners painted the walls and ceilings (or had them painted) recently, I would say within the last few years, but the painter hit EVERY beam in the house with a paint roller so I have spots of white paint all over the place in every room. I was wondering how to remove it safely without destroying the antique beams.